Traditional Values Coalition warns it could fold without quick contributions

Gay-bashing group closes out summer with hot and heavy fund appeal

Sheldon's email, sent out on September 5th, begins with a rant about the Democrats. Sheldon, who heads the Traditional Values Coalition, writes like he just pulled his foot out of a hornets' nest. And he only winds up from there.

After dire warnings about the Democrats, Sheldon (pictured here with his daughter and TVC executive director Andrea Lafferty) shifts gears and tells his readers that the TVC's bills are piling up and he needs emergency contributions to keep on with his venemous anti-gay lobbying.

He exhorts potential donors in capital letters:

CONSERVATIVES ARE DEPENDING ON TVC TO SEE THAT GOVERNOR SCHWARZENEGGER VETOES THE HOMOSEXUAL EDUCATION BILL, SB 1437. THE HOMOSEXUALS WANT TO RECRUIT OUR CHILDREN STARTING IN THE PRIMARY GRADES AND PREPARE THEM TO BE THEIR NEXT VICTIMS.

Sheldon does not mention that he took in over $6 million in 2004 (the most recent year for which records are available) -- or that donations to the TVC are not tax deductible. The TVC is a 501(c)(4) organization, a designation that allows lobbying. (Donations to 501(c)(3) organizations are tax deductible.)

The TVC's executive director, Andrea Lafferty, directs its lobbying in Washington, according to the TVC's website. According to Americans United for the Separation of Church and State, Lafferty is Sheldon's daughter.

Sheldon's most recent federal financial statement (IRS Form 990), for 2004, states that the TVC received $6,389,448 in contributions from the public.

We are wondering how he could raise so much money with appeals like the one in this week's email:

TRADITIONAL VALUES COALITION IS ON THE FRONT LINES OF EVERY PERTINENT BATTLE WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR RELIGIOUS FREEDOMS AND TRADITIONAL VALUES.

I KNOW YOU SEE WHY TVC’S EFFORTS IN THESE AREAS ARE SO CRUCIAL – AND WHY I NEED TO KNOW IF YOU’LL HELP IN THIS EMERGENCY.

IN THIS CRISIS, I HAVE NO OTHER CHOICE -- I MUST ASK YOU TO SEARCH YOUR HEART AND DECIDE IF THE TRADITIONAL VALUES YOU HOLD DEAR ARE WORTH AN EMERGENCY CONTRIBUTION TO TVC TODAY.

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